Ex-vice President At Joliet College Awarded $192,000 Over Her Firing

A former Joliet Junior College vice president won a $192,000 judgment against the school Monday when a federal jury found her firing was a retaliatory act by a former president of the college.

Joelyn Ainley, who had worked for the school for 11 years before she was let go in 1997, sued the school, alleging she was fired because she complained to then-president Thomas Gamble about the disparity between her pay and that of a male vice president.

Ainley had asked for $465,000 in lost future wages and benefits. She was awarded the $192,000, plus attorneys fees and costs.

"I think this verdict speaks volumes about the basic rule that people should be able to go to their boss and feel safe to complain about obvious disparities in pay," said Lisa Jensen, Ainley's attorney. "It's an illegal act to fire someone for complaining about what they believe is discriminatory."

Ainley alleged two counts in her suit: retaliatory firing and gender discrimination. The eight-member jury found in her favor on the retaliatory claim but found in the college's favor on the discrimination claim.

Neither Gamble, who left the school earlier this year after a yearlong battle with the board of trustees, nor the school's attorney could be reached Monday for comment.

But John Hertko, chairman of the board of trustees, said the school's attorney recommended to him that trustees not appeal the case. He said trustees will discuss it during next month's meeting.

Hertko also said the school already has spent more than $50,000 defending the suit.

The college also faces at least two other lawsuits over job termination.

Ainley's husband, James LePanto, has sued the school, alleging age discrimination. LePanto, former vice president of academic affairs, also was let go by Gamble.